The doubloon is one of the most lasting symbols of Mardi Gras. These detailed and brightly colored coins are tossed from the parade floats down to the excited crowds hollering "Throw me something Mister!"
In 1960,
King Rex introduced the current series of Mardi Gras doubloons as a carnival throw, in New Orleans. Doubloons were used as currency in Spain and Spanish territories through the mid-1800s. The doubloon is one of the most lasting symbols of Mardi Gras. These detailed and brightly colored coins are tossed from the parade floats down to the excited crowds hollering "Throw me something Mister!"
The word "doubloon" is from the Spanish word dobla, which means, "double". It refers to the fact that the doubloon was worth twice that of the regular Spanish gold coin. The "pieces of eight" heard in pirate tales would have been worth around 1/16 of a doubloon.
Doubloons were originally made from solid gold, which explains why they were such a sought after item for piracy. Nothing set a salty sea dog's pulse racing more, as they were obsessed with scoring a treasure chest full of golden doubloons.
Although no longer made of precious metal, that same tradition of landing a handful of doubloons has been passed down to revelers at today's Mardi Gras celebrations.
The original doubloons have been circulated in America near since the beginning of our country's history. One of the most famous is the Basher Doubloons. At an auction held in 1978, a 1787 Basher coin sold for about $ 625,000 dollars.
The present day local inventor and artist H. Alvin Sharpe designed Mardi Gras doubloons. Each doubloon displays the Krewe's emblem, name, and founding date on one side, and the theme, year of the ball and parade on the opposite side.
Between 1960 and 1970, King Rex threw 2.75 million doubloons out to the thrilled parade watchers. It was not long before the other Krewes followed in line and were tossing out coins to the gathered festival participants.
Doubloons of real gold or silver continue to be made and offered for sale to the public. These are minted in very small quantities, which make them a valuable collectible. The newer 90s Mardi Gras doubloons are worth more because fewer of the coins exist.
In recent times, Krewes have moved into throw versions similar to doubloons: the casino-type poker chip. Every carnival lover counts on taking home dozens of doubloons to add to their collection and remember all the excitement of attending Mardi Gras.
After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, authentic Mardi Gras doubloons grew in popularity. Since most of New Orleans was destroyed, doubloons have become a historic reminder of past Carnivals.
The resilient people of New Orleans do not plan to let the hurricane damper the spirits of their yearly Mardi Gras festivities. With every passing year, New Orleans comes alive bigger and better than the previous years. Come join in on the fun and take home a coveted bag full of gold, purple, or green doubloons as keepsakes.
For your planned Carnival celebration, doubloons make an excellent party favor. It is just not a party unless you have treasure chests stashed with gold and silver doubloons. Mardi Gras doubloons are the annual bribe that the kings toss, that will always be the score to keep us coming back for more.
